Good Stuff Sports

Jeremy Bhandari wrote a tremendous book for young atheletes called 'Trust the Grind'. I talked to Jeremy about some of the lessons that can be found in the book, and we barely scratched the surface. There is so much knowledge and insight from championship caliber athletes from a variety of different sports from MMA to the NFL that any young athlete will gain something to enhance their mental and physical performance.

Happy Thanksgiving! Getting the opportunity to speak to the ground breaking and barrier smashing Dr. Jen Welter was a privilege. We talked about football, and never letting an obstacle stand in the way of our dreams. Dr. Jen was the first female coach to work on an NFL sideline. She played tackle football, and we got into a fairly in depth conversation about the difference between having football instinct and being coachable. It was so interesting to hear about how her education has helped her to be a successful coach. Make sure you check out when Dr. Jen is coming to your town to lead a football clinic.

This is the coolest. I talked to Jonathan Horton who is an author, speaker, ninja warrior, and medal winning Olympic gymnast. It was amazing to hear Jonathan's story and talk about his athletic achievements. We talked about his book, 'If I Had Known: Life Lessons From An Olympic Pro Athlete', his experiences at the Olympics, his training, risk taking, and his time as a competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Jonathan's openness and honesty when talking about what it takes to be an elite athlete was eye opening for me as I have never gotten the chance to hear the details that go into the life of a world class gymnast.

Joel did it! He hiked the entire Wild West Trail. It was great to catch up with Joel Salvino, and I was amazed and in awe as he shared his stories and triumphs from his (long) time on the trail and off the grid. You can actually see some of the amazing wilderness that Joel hiked on his youtube channel. It's worth a watch. Were there bears? I don't know! You'll have to listen to find out. Check out the Wild West Trail Instagram as well. Such beautiful photos! Photo cred: Joel Salvino (@the_WWT)

Team Handball! It's an Olympic Sport and it is so fun to play. I talked to Mila Manevska from the DC Diplomats who taught me all about this incredible sport. You'll really understand how this is a global sport and why so many people really love to play the game!

If you need inspiration to get outdoors and see the world then you have got to check out Hiker Steve. He's all about helping people cultivate their passion for being outside. In many cases it's a family affair for him too. He loves to hike with his son. Be sure to check out his website to stay updated on everything that he's up to. He shares many beautiful photos and is a very good social media-er.

Have you ever done any long distance backpacking or hiking? I've tried a little, with no success. Joel Salvino on the other hand loves it! So much so that he's trying to create a new connected trail system called the Wild West Trail in the Idaho area that would be the HUGE! I learned a ton during this talk about supplies and gear and what it takes to plan for a long hike.

Courtney Miller is an award-winning women's lacrosse player. She taught me a lot about women's lacrosse throughout the course of this conversation. She has played at the D1 college level, and has been playing for the Israeli National Women's Team for the last several seasons. Courtney has recovered from a torn ACL to return to the sport that she loves. Her story is guaranteed to inspire you.

Nora Ballard is (amongst other things) a film director and her movie 'Waterbabies' is all about synchronized swimming. I was so excited to talk to Nora about what she learned about those who compete in synchronized swimming. It's a sport that I don't know much about at all. As you'll hear, Nora learned quite a bit about how they practice, and how synchronized swimming is a metaphor for life. You can watch Nora's movie right here: https://vimeo.com/122649495

Toby Pechner joins me on Episode 6 of Good Stuff Sports to talk about his love of the San Francisco Giants as well as his time as a "Ball Dude" with the team. Ever wondered about what ball boys/bat boys do? What's the game like for them? Toby has answers! He also makes a bet with Zachy about who will win the Superbowl (we recorded a while ago). You need to hear that. Additionally, Assistant Producer Zachy joins me to give his prediction for the upcoming Baseball season. Spring is here! Let's play ball!

Joe Licata is a quarterback. A very good quarterback. He was the captain of the State University at Buffalo Bulls at a peak of the programs success. He played in a bowl game! Now he's training the next generation of quarterbacks in Western New York and he's off to a great start with a crop of young qb's who Joe believes has the goods to go to the next level. Joe also shares some of his favorite moments on the field as well as the players that inspire him. Of course, since he's from Buffalo we talk chicken wings, pizza, and beef on weck.

Welcome to the first full episode of Good Stuff Sports. I spoke to Greg Cohen who is a professional Ultimate Frisbee Player based in the Bay Area. I spoke to him about his path to playing frisbee as well as the work that went in to him making the San Jose Spiders and San Francisco Revolver. We also re-lived some of his favorite in game moments.

Coming soon - a brand new podcast hosted by 'Good Stuff Kids' Mike Mason where young sports fans can hear from athletes, writers, podcasters, coaches, and many others who are involved in the world of sports. We will hear stories that will inspire young athletes as well as some of our guests favorite highlights and memories. Good Stuff Sports - Coming in early 2017.